Monthly Archives: July 2014

A few weeks ago, one of my very best friends moved in with a wonderful man–and I couldn’t be happier for them. In fact, when it came time for their housewarming, I wanted to make something really special to bring to the party.

Now, I’m Cuban but Jesse and I (the friend in question) have an ongoing joke about me being Mexican thanks to a drunken comment made by him years ago. It’s too hard to explain, but suffice it to say that I knew making a Mexican-inspired dish was the way to go. And with it being a party, I wanted something that would be easy for people to munch on–and somehow came up with this Mexican Bean, Corn & Kale Salsa with Chorizo. Continue reading →

Remember when, last week, I discovered the “Latin” produce section at my local grocery store and went gaga over the jicama? Yes, I’m sure you do–my Mexican Cole Slaw was the oh-so-yummy result.

Well, this week is a very similar story. Only this time my love affair started with chayote.

Chayote, which originated in Mexico but has since spread all over Latin America, is a member of the gourd family along with melons, cucumbers and squash. However, I find that its texture and flavor is a little similar to pears–and that’s why I decided to make a smoothie out of it.

After the delicious success of my Kale Avocado Smoothie, I knew I wanted to try another one with kale, too. I have to say, I love the extra bit of sweetness that the chayote brought to this breakfast smoothie. I would definitely try this one again, and maybe even with a bit more chayote than the first time. Continue reading →

I was walking through my local grocery store a couple days ago, when I came across a little corner of the produce aisle that I more-or-less can call the “Latin” section. It had yellow and green plantains, boniato (a.k.a. Cuban white sweet potato, one of my favorites for mashing) and–gasp!–jicama, something I’ve only seen in restaurants until now.

In case you didn’t know, jicama is an edible root vegetable similar to a turnip. It originates in Mexico, and is often known as a Mexican turnip or Mexican yam. And although it looks like a yam, its texture is crunchy and sweet–just like a turnip. Immediately, I had the idea to take this crunchy veggie and incorporate it into a Mexican-style cole slaw. Continue reading →

I’ve loved a lot of smoothies in the past, and I am sure that I will love many more in my future. But no smoothie will speak to my heart quite as much as this incredible Kale Avocado Breakfast Smoothie.

Here’s a little confession first: my mom has gotten into the habit lately of sending me kale in the mail. It sounds a bit nuts, I know, but in the past two years she has really grown her green thumb and started planting all kids of vegetables and fruit.

Over Christmas, I came back with citrus from home–which I used to make some of my other favorite breakfast smoothies earlier this year. With the latest gift from mom’s garden, I decided to go back to making healthy breakfast smoothies–this time with kale! Continue reading →

About Me

I’m Irina Gonzalez, and this is my blog devoted to Healthy Latin Food (and more). I lost 100 pounds and gained a love of veggies!

Transforming my habits in and out of the kitchen, I eat (mostly) healthy food—usually with a Latin twist. Here I share my favorite original recipes, healthy eating tips and how I (try to) keep the weight off.